Dancers share their culture at care center

August 1, 2011

Rocio Martinez and other members of Danza Azteca Quetzalcoatl greet each of the residents of the Bingham Memorial Hospital Extended Care Facility following a performance on Saturday.

BLACKFOOT â€” Confined to wheelchairs and unable to go many places, residents of the Bingham Memorial Hospital Extended Care Facility could be left to watch television or to read.
But director of activities Lori Packer and assistants Chanel Quirk and Julie Wallace instead work to bring entertainment and other events to them.
"We just like to do things special for our residents," Packer said on Saturday as approximately 30 of them watched a performance from Danza Azteca Quetzalcoatl, a local troupe in native costume.
"We all work together to make people happy," said Rocio Martinez, the troupe's secretary. "We loved to see the smiles on their faces."
"Whenever you guys want, we'll be here again," said Jacob Gonzalez, the troupe's leader.
Following a performance that lasted about 45 minutes, the dancers shook hands with each of the residents and many of the other people who had watched.
"I loved their sociability," said 83-year-old visitor Zelila Walters. "I heard about them from my neighbor. I liked them."
After their performance in the morning, many of the dancers travelled to Aberdeen for another show.